We support more than 14,600 members to be ethical, effective, and engaged practitioners. Our work strengthens the architectural profession and shapes egalitarian communities. Since our inception in 1929 and with a rich history spanning over nine decades, we’ve consistently championed the highest standards of professionalism, creativity, and ethical practice across the built environment.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to supporting our members at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, we provide the resources, guidance and community needed to thrive and succeed.
Our members enjoy unprecedented access to a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. From exclusive networking events and education programs to our prestigious awards and recognition, we empower our members to reach new heights of success and innovation. Committed to creating a useful and supportive partnership for a life in architecture, we work to strengthen the architectural profession and build a future that advances architecture for all.
Our impact extends far beyond our membership base. Showcasing our commitment to engagement and communication, we work collaboratively with key stakeholders across government and industry and with affiliate peak organisations. As advocates for the built environment, we work tirelessly to shape policies, foster collaboration, and promote design excellence that benefits society as a whole. From sustainable urban development to community-driven initiatives, we’re dedicated to creating a future where architecture serves as a catalyst for positive change.
At the Institute, we champion the breadth and diversity of the profession, across all levels of membership and across all stages of education and careers. As guardians and custodians of the profession, we’re passionate about contributing to society, culture, and Country.
Whether you’re an architect, a student, an academic, or simply someone who shares our passion for great design, the Australian Institute of Architects welcomes you to join us in shaping the future of architecture in Australia and beyond. Together, let’s build a world where beauty, functionality, and sustainability intersect to create spaces that advance architecture together.
The Institute is governed by a Board of Directors, comprising elected members as well as Independent Directors with expertise across finance, HR, marketing and other specialities. With a minimum of eight Directors, the Board is made up of the National President (Chair), Immediate Past President, President Elect and two National Council Elected members in addition to three Independent Directors.
The Board works closely with the member elected National Council, which represents all Chapters and is responsible for the overarching policy of the Institute, and the Executive management team.
The 91st Annual General Meeting of the members of The Royal Australian Institute of Architects will be held at 10.00am AEDT on Wednesday 22 July 2020, using virtual technology.
Updated elections nominations open date
In a newsletter sent on 7 Oct 2019, we advised members that elections nominations were due to open Monday 14 Oct 2019. However, we’ve identified some technical issues with the elections website that means we have to delay the nominations opening date to Friday 18 Oct 2019.
We’re working furiously to resolve the technical issues. We’ll email all members the official elections email that formally opens all nominations streams for Chapter Council, Chapter President and nationally-elected Councillors by Friday 18 Oct 2019.
Thank you for your understanding.
Since its formation in 1929, first registration in NSW in 1930, and ultimately with ASIC, the Institute has had a constitution document to reflect its status as a not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee.
The Constitution can only be amended from time to time by the Institute’s voting members at a general meeting. At the AGM in July 2020, the members voted to adopt a contemporary constitution document that is typical of modern not-for-profit organisations.
Our members are bound by a Professional Code of Conduct, promoting the highest standards for the profession.
We strive to provide safe and welcoming environments for our staff to work and for members to engage with peers.
The policies in this handbook set the standard of behaviour members should aspire to when interacting in Institute workplaces and events. This handbook sets out examples of the standards of behaviour expected of members and how the Institute will respond to specific types of conduct that falls short of those standards.
This policy establishes a set of policy principles to ensure the Institute and its members are aligned in valuing and exhibiting principles of fairness and equity, which lead to the provision of equal opportunities, rights and benefits to all men and women engaged within the architectural profession, and to eliminate gender-based impacts on the participation and progression of women within the profession.
Our members are at the heart of what we do, and we value the contribution they make at all levels of the organisation. This policy governs the Institute’s engagement with members and stakeholders.
We respect our members’ and stakeholders’ privacy. We abide by our Privacy Policy governing the collection and use of members’ and stakeholders’ information.
Planned Cover is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Australian Institute of Architects. The full-service insurance broking operation has more than 45 years’ experience in managing the various insurance requirements of architects and related professionals. Insurance is a complex purchasing decision with a variety of options to consider. As businesses evolve, a practices’ insurance requirements will also evolve, Planned Cover will assist in tailoring the right insurance program for the lifecycle of the business operation ie. start up, growth, maturity, merger/acquisition or the closure and retirement of directors. Planned Cover is proud to insure the majority of Australian domiciled architectural practices.
Planned Cover’s experienced brokers will provide assistance to your practice in mitigating risk wherever possible whilst also providing the following value-added services:
Architecture Media is an online and print publisher and events company with its focus on the built environment – practitioners, clients, suppliers and the wider community. Design adds immeasurable value to our environment, contributing to a sustainable future, economic success and our individual health, wellbeing and enjoyment. Architecture Media is about celebrating these achievements and sharing the benefits through websites, print and digital publications, awards programs and speaker events.
Architecture Media is an associate company of the Australian Institute of Architects. Its products are variously endorsed by professional bodies including the Australian Institute of Architects, the Design Institute of Australia and the Planning Institute of Australia.
Their portfolio includes the highly regarded digital and print publications:
1800 770 617
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
